Manual Tube Lashing Apparatus

The present invention relates to tube lashing apparatuses, and, more particularly, to a manual tube lashing apparatus for maple tubing.

The introduction of plastic tubing for maple sap collection has greatly reduced the amount of labor required for sap collection and increased the overall efficiency of collection operations. Plastic tubing systems consist of lateral lines connected to tapholes of maple trees that are connected to a main line which flows directly to a collection tank. However, issues remain with current plastic tubing systems. For example, plastic tubing can sag or deform due to changes in weather, lack of proper maintenance, and/or aging of materials. Sagging of plastic tubing can contaminate fresh sap by causing a buildup of sap that may heat up and ferment and/or cause bacterial growth, producing sour and off-flavor sap. Additionally, sagging tubes can increase vacuum loss, which can render the system unusable.

As can be seen, there is a need for a manual tube lashing apparatus that constricts maple tubing to prevent sagging.

In one aspect of the present invention, a tube lashing apparatus is provided. The tube lashing apparatus can include a body configured to receive tubing. The body of the tubing apparatus can include a first portion, including a first plurality of bearings disposed along an inner aspect of the first portion, a first handle proximate to a first end of the first portion, and a first guide wire assembly proximate to a second end of the first portion; and a second portion, including a second plurality of bearings disposed along an inner aspect of the second portion, a second handle proximate to a first end of the second portion, and a second guide wire assembly proximate to a second end of the second portion. The first portion can be connected to the second portion using at least one hinge, and the first portion can be secured to the second portion using at least one latching mechanism. Each of the first portion and the second portion can have a wiring assembly connected thereto via a bolt. Each wiring assembly can include a spool configured to accept wiring installed on the bolt and a tensioning mechanism configured to maintain a force on the spool to prevent sagging, or freewheeling.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, and claims.

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, one embodiment of the present invention is a manual tube lasher for lashing maple tubing, thereby constricting the tubing and preventing sags.

Referring to, an exemplary embodiment of a tube lashing apparatusis illustrated. Tube lashing apparatuscan have a main body formed from two pipe halves. Pipe halvescan be semi-cylindrical and formed from metallic material but are not so limited. In differing embodiments, Pipe halvescan be varied in both inner diameter and outer diameter to accommodate differing tubing sizes. The main body of tube lashing apparatuscan include a plurality of latching mechanismsconfigured to secure pipe halvesin a closed configuration. When positioned as shown in, the pipe halvesform a sleeve-like assembly with an inner tubular opening which can accommodate tubing, such as maple tubing. Each pipe halfcan have mounted, proximate to a first end, a handle. Handle(s)may be attached, or positioned, such that when tube lashing apparatusis positioned as shown in, they are oriented 180° from one another.

Turning to, each pipe halfcan have mounted, proximate to a second end, a guide wire assembly. Guide wire assemblycan be substantially L-shaped with an elongated cutout portion configured to accept wiringA. Advantageously, guide wire assemblycan be configured to maintain even wrapping of wireA around tubingduring installation. Pipe Halve(s)of tube lashing apparatuscan each have a wiring assembly mounted thereon.

Each wiring assembly can include a spoolfor housing wiringA and hardware,,,(see) operative to mount the wiring assembly to the pipe halve(s). In embodiments, a wiring assembly can include a carriage boltprotruded from a pipe halfand affixed thereto, with an inner nutdisposed on the threading of carriage boltthat is proximate to the pipe half. At least 2 washerscan be disposed between inner nutand spoolto provide secure attachment. A tensioning assembly,can be provided for the wiring assembly to prevent wireA from becoming loose, or sagging, when apparatusis not in use. In embodiments, the tensioning assembly can be a springdisposed between two washersand secured to the threading of the carriage boltdistal to the pipe halfusing an outer nutand in contact with spool. Advantageously, outer nutcan be adjustably tightened to cause sufficient compression of spring, which can prevent freewheeling of spool.

Turning to, the main body of tube lashing apparatuscan be formed to be clamshell like, with a plurality of hingesconnecting portions of each pipe halfto one another. Advantageously, the clamshell like configuration can allow the main body of tubing apparatusto accept tubingof varying sizes. Each pipe halfcan have a plurality of holes, each hole having a ball bearingdisposed therein. In embodiments, ball bearing(s)are disposed in a staggered manner or otherwise evenly spaced. Advantageously, ball bearing(s)allow smooth movement of tube lashing apparatusover tubing, disposed therein.

To use the tube lashing apparatus, the user can place it in an open position around tubing, as illustrated in. Tube lashing apparatuscan then be placed in a closed position, as shown in, with latching mechanismssecured. When in a closed position, a user can grip handlesand move tube lashing apparatusalong tubing, aided by bearings, in a twisting manner illustrated in, which causes wireA to form a helical binding pattern around tubing. Advantageously, the helical binding pattern can constrict tubingto form a more rigid structure, which is more resilient to sagging or other deformations.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims.